Cadets to benefit from Mayor's Appeal

BECCLES Mayor Jack Walmsley has announced that money from this year's Mayor's Appeal will go to the town's three cadet forces.

The army, air and sea cadets will be the focus of the Appeal, with a variety of fundraising events set to take place later in the year.

Mr Walmsley chose to raise funds for the Beccles palliative care day centre last time he was mayor in 2004, which at the time had not been built. This time around he said he wanted to target a more youth orientated cause.

“It seemed time to do a youth appeal,” he said. “The previous Mayor's Appeal was more of a general nature. The three cadet forces haven't had any Mayor's Appeal before other than that given to the youth in general. I'm very aware of the sterling work that they do in the three organisations in straightening kids out and giving them guidelines for life.

“I also recognise that they have helped out in many events in town for nothing, it's what they're prepared to do for the community.”

He added that he felt it important to help the cadets in response to the war in Afghanistan. “Some of these kids will go on to join the forces,” he said. “At a time when we're involved in a particularly unpleasant conflict in Afghanistan I very strongly support the poor people that need to go out there and fight.”

During his last term Mr Walmsley instigated the idea of the Mayor's Cadet, a tradition that has continued through to this day.

The Mayor's Cadet is assigned to help the mayor during his year, and is picked from a cadet force of their choice. This year Mr Walmsley has chosen a cadet from the army.

Goose Green Nurseries in Beccles has already launched an appeal to help the cause, while Beccles Choral Society held a collection at their last concert. If you would like to raise money for the Mayor's Appeal telephone Jula Janney at Beccles Town Council on 01502 712109.